Access and Transportation
Lisboa is easy to get to. It is a short flight away from most European cities, and is just as easily accessible by road, railway or sea.
By Air
Lisboa International Airport, 7 km from the city centre, has daily flights to and from the major cities in Europe and the world. The Portuguese airlines TAP - Air Portugal and PGA - Portugália Airlines, as well as major international airlines, fly to and from Lisboa.
By Rail
Scores of national and international trains arrive in Lisboa every day. In addition to Santa Apolónia terminal station, the city now has the new Gare do Oriente, which opened in 1998 adjacent to the Parque das Nações. Both stations have direct bus or underground connections to the city centre.
Public Transportation from the Airport to downtown Lisbon:
AEROBUS: Linking the Airport to downtown Lisbon and Cais do Sodré
(every 20 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.);
CARRIS BUSES: Nºs. 5, 8, 22, 44, 45, 83;
TAXIS: available right outside the Arrival and Departure halls.
Taxi Voucher Service at the Lisbon Airport –This service is available to passengers arriving at Lisbon Airport who wish to travel by taxi. The service operates with vouchers on sale at the Turismo de Lisboa counter, located in the terminal.
Useful contacts at the Airport
ANA - AEROPORTOS DE PORTUGAL
Aeroporto de Lisboa,
Rua D Edifício, 120 1700-008 LISBOA
TEL: 00 351 21 841 35 00 / 37 00
FAX: 00351 21 841 36 75
Information on flight arrival and departure times
Tel: 0035121 841 37 00
www.ana-aeroportos.pt
Baggage Claim (lost and found)
Tap Air Portugal TEL 00351 21 841 50 00
Portugália TEL 00351 21 843 70 00
Public Transport
There is a wide inexpensive network in the city. In Lisboa, city of the seven hills, you can choose between bus, underground metro, elevators, electric trams or railway, within the city or to the suburbs. Trains and express bus service also links the main towns of the country.
One of the quickest ways to travel in Lisboa is by Metro. It covers almost the whole city and next to most hotels you will find a metro station. Besides the
confort, you will be surprised when admiring true chefs d’oeuvre in each station.
You cannot speak about public transportation in Lisboa without mentioning the Tram.
Having lost the importance of old times, it keeps the same fascination and goes on being a symbol of the city.
In the region of Lisboa, one of the most common means of transportation is the ferryboat
(Cacilheiro), mainly to connect both sides of the river.
Climate
The climate in Lisboa is temperate, offering the best of both Atlantic and Mediterranean sea breezes all year round. Average temperature in Winter is around 17º Celsius / 62º Farenheit Average temperature in Summer is around 26º Celsius / 79º Farenheit Check the weather here.
Currency
As a member of the European Monetary System, since the 1st of January 2002, the local currency Escudo was replaced by the "Euro".
Electric Current
European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles are used.
Exchange
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Travellers cheques and currency can be changed at hotels or at a bank - these are open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 15h00. Automatic changing and cash dispensing machines linked to international networks are also widely available.
Health Requirements
With the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic actually there are no special health requirements.
Language
The official language is Portuguese. English and French are widely spoken.
Local Time
Mainland Portugal is 1 hour ahead of European Standard Time
(C.E.T. + 1).
http://wwp.centraleuropeantime.eu/
Medical Care
Clinics and hospitals provide round the clock emergency service. The national emergency phone number is 112. Hotels have a doctor on call through the reception. Reciprocal E.C. cover is available at out-patient departments, otherwise private consultation fees are charged.
Passport and Visas
A valid passport (or identity card for European Community nationals) is required. Visas are not necessary for citizens of EU countries, the U.S.A., Canada and the majority of countries. Please contact your local Portuguese Embassy, Consulate or your Travel Agency for further information.
http://www.min-nestrangeiros.pt/mne/estrangeiro/indice.html
Post and Telecommunications
Automatic direct dial telephone service is available to and from most countries in the world. Public phones accept either a pre-paid card, or coins (see signs on the booth). Credit systems such as AT&T area also available. Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00.
Religious Services
Portugal is predominantly Catholic, but a wide number of other faiths (Protestant, Moslem, Jewish and Hindu, among others).
Shops
Shops are open from 09:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. In major town centres and in most shopping malls, shops stay open during lunch hours, and close later at night, including weekends.
Tipping
Tipping is optional, but normally 10% is customary in taxis, restaurants and bars.
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